Trade Policy in Support of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilient Development
This T+S Hub session addressed the critical challenge of climate change adaptation in developing countries, exploring how trade and trade policy can assist, with insights from experts, policymakers, and thought leaders on regional and sector-specific issues.
Adaptation to climate change is a critical development challenge. For many developing countries, it is a far more immediate priority than reducing their already-small greenhouse gas emissions. However, the role of trade and trade policy in advancing adaptation is not as well explored or understood as trade and climate mitigation.
This Trade + Sustainability Hub session organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss the adaptation challenges that different regions and sectors faced, and where trade and trade policy could help meet them – as well as where it could not, and other solutions were needed. The conversation also examined these options in light of the unavoidable impact that climate would have on the way we trade and do business.
Participants in the conversation were encouraged to bring their ideas and concerns into the debate, share their thoughts, and help drive the conversation forward.
Upcoming events
2026 Investment Policy Forum
The 17th edition of IISD's Investment Policy Forum will take place from September 16 to 18, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Weathering the Waters: Building climate resilience that pays off
Join us to explore Canada’s adaptation progress, the rising costs of delay (water, floods, drought), and new ways to finance resilience.
Natural Solutions for Water Security: Canada's Policy Path Forward
This 2-day forum aims to advance strategic priorities and define practical next steps for accelerating the adoption of natural infrastructure as a new normal.
Unpacking National Investment Laws: Dispute settlement
Join IISD and UNCTAD for a webinar on May 7 as we explore key findings and recommendations from two recent publications on national investment laws and their investor–state dispute settlement provisions. A panel of experts will discuss the risks posed by dispute settlement provisions in investment laws, emerging good practices, and the urgent need for coherence between domestic legal frameworks and international treaty reform efforts.